Today's Edition
Sami Abdel Raouf (Dubai)
Emirates Health Services revealed that artificial intelligence technology is being used for the early detection of breast cancer in nine mammography units within its affiliated medical centres.
In response to inquiries from Aleithad, the institution stated that these technologies effectively contribute to increasing the accuracy and quality of radiological reports, and the detection of cancerous tumours in their early stages reached a 97% accuracy rate.
Dr. Shamsa Lootah, Director of Public Health Services at Emirates Health Services, confirmed that the use of artificial intelligence for the early detection of breast cancer has had a clear impact on the patient's quick response to treatment, increasing the total recovery rate, and reducing deaths from breast cancer.
10 Medical Facilities
Lootah announced the provision of early breast cancer screening services in 10 EHS-affiliated medical facilities, in addition to 9 units providing mammography services distributed among six emirates. She also revealed that there are plans to increase the number of units providing these services to 12 by the end of 2024. "Mammography service units are available in Qassimi, Fujairah, and Saqr hospitals, in addition to the Family Health Promotion Centres in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
They are also available in primary healthcare centres in Zidna, Muhaisnah, Faseel, and Al Hamidiyah," she said. Breast cancer diagnostic services are provided in Qassimi, Fujairah, and Saqr hospitals, as well as the Family Health Promotion Centre in Sharjah, she added.
Community Awareness
Regarding early breast cancer screening activities, she reported that EHS organises community initiatives to provide free mammograms and screenings, which are considered one of the most accurate tests for the early detection of breast cancer.
These tests contribute to raising the recovery rate to more than 98%, she said. These initiatives are aligned with EHS's mission to improve quality of life through proactive and integrated health and therapeutic services, and a technologically advanced health system based on strategic partnerships. "The treatments provided in the country are based on global recommendations and keep pace with new updates in cancer treatments," she noted.
"The UAE is a pioneer in introducing recently approved drugs to always be at the forefront, the most prominent of which is the hormonal treatment that was recently approved to treat advanced breast cancer cases and has already had a positive impact on controlling and reducing the progression of the disease. The treatment was recently announced at the Oncology Conference," she added.
Lootah said that a lack of community awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer is due to the hesitation of some women to get early screenings out of fear of a potential diagnosis. She also explained that there are several services provided to breast cancer patients, the most prominent of which are medical consultations, early detection examinations, diagnostic examinations, and diagnostic biopsies.
"Services also extend to include surgical and reconstructive treatments, hormonal treatments, as well as attracting some specialists in this field from inside and outside the country," she added.
